ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
No evidence of crop damage by desert locust till date: Agriculture Minister
There is an incursion of Desert locust  in low to medium density since 21st May 2019 onwards, from the border areas of Pakistan mainly in the Jaisalmer district of the Rajasthan State. Its presence has also been noticed in the Barmer and Jalore districts of Rajasthan and Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Till date, there is no evidence of crop damages by desert locust. Neither the desert locust control teams nor any State agriculture functionaries have reported any damage to the crops.
The following steps have been taken to deal with the problem of Desert locust:
- Up to the 3rd July, 2019, a total of 8041 hectares have been treated against the said infestation by spraying insecticide .
- The staffs of locust warning organization / circle offices are undertaking regular surveys and control operations to check desert locust.
- An Additional 40 nos. of technical officers/officials of Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine and Storage have been deployed in the various circle office for assistance in control and survey works. In addition, senior officers of the Department are camping in the infested area and supervising control operations.
- Further, the State Agriculture Department of Rajasthan has posted their 77 nos. of staff including Agriculture Supervisor, Agriculture officers & Assistant Agriculture Officers to various offices in the Jaisalmer districts for assistance in locust control works.The State Government has constituted various teams comprising senior officers for regular assessment and monitoring of locust situation.
- Various awareness programs have been organized by the various circle offices for state agriculture officers and farmers.
- Regular Liaison is being maintained with the Forest Department, Border Security Force, State Agriculture Department, District administration and representatives of Gram Sabha/Panchayat.
Under the Locust Control & Research, the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Famers Welfare has established 10 Locust Circle Offices at Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Suratgarh, Churu, Nagaur, Phalodi, Jalore in Rajasthan and Palanpur &Bhuj in Gujarat covering almost all the desert areas. In addition, Locust Warning Organization has been established at Jodhpur which acts as head quarter of the circle offices. Furthermore, a Field Station on Investigation in Locust has also been established at Bikaner.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
‘Bijli Mahotsav’ organised at Imphal West
As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of India's Independence, The Ministry of Power in association with MSPDCL, Powergrid and District Collector Office, Imphal West organized a ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ in Salam Mayai Leikai, Imphal West district of Manipur. The Bijli Mahotsav was used as a platform to celebrate the collaboration between the state and the Central Governments and highlight the key achievements of the power sector. Some of the key achievement of the Imphal west district highlights have been –
- Under DDUGJY-New Scheme, 72 habitation infrastructure and electrification successfully implemented.
- Under System Strengthening and IPDS scheme 6987 ckt km HT line, AB cable of 29 Km , 15 nos DTRs and 11Km Ckt. Km. HT line, AB cable 420 Km, 66nos. Dtrs were added across 26 habitation and Imphal town, Lamshang Town and Sekmai Town respectively.
- Under the Saubhagya Scheme 7081 households were given free registration for power/electric connection with 16.78 ckt. Km HT line, 31 nos. Dtrs , 43 Km AB cable and subsidised rate supply of 28930 LED 9 watt LED bulb.
- And 2,50,131 nos. of prepaid meter installed till date across Imphal West District.
The Bijli Mahotsavs are being celebrated all over the country under the umbrella of Ujjwal Bharat Ujjwal Bhavishya – Power @2047 for more public participation and getting across the developments in the power sector to the citizens at large.
Numerous dignitaries Th Kirankumar, IAS, District Collector, Imphal West, Ku. N. Promo, Zila Parishad, M Miranda Devi, Up-Pradhan, H. Sunita, Member, H. Sunita, Member, S. Joy, Member and Jivesh Khanna, Chief Manager, Imphal Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and various MSPDCL officials graced the occasion, which saw large turnouts of crowds from nearby villages and districts. The dignitaries highlighted the benefits of electricity and the unprecedented growth shown the power sector over the past few years. The events also witnessed several beneficiaries sharing their experiences.
To engage with the visitors and guests, various cultural programme, nukkad nataks  and screening of short films on the power sector was organized. Given the large gathering, it was ensured that all Covid safety protocols such as social distancing and wearing of masks were adhered to. In addition, masks were also distributed to all the attendees.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understandings  entered into by Institute of Cost Accountants of India  and Institute of Company Secretaries of India  with Foreign Countries/Organisations
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has granted ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understandings  entered into by Institute of Cost Accountants of India  and Institute of Company Secretaries of India  with various Foreign Countries/Organisations.
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India  and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India  have signed MoUs with foreign organisations namely Institute of Public Accountants , Australia, Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, UK , Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy , UK, Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Sri Lanka and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators , UK.
Thevarious memoranda seek to facilitate mutual recognition of qualifications and range of collaborative activities for exchange of knowledge, experience sharing and technical cooperation by way of participation in annual conferences/training programmes/workshops, seminars and joint research projects etc., relevant to their jurisdiction.
Impact:
The signed MoUswould help in advancement of the goals on equity, public accountability and innovation among the beneficiaries countries.
Background:
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India  was established by a Special Act of Parliament, namely, the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959 as a statutory professional body for the regulation of the profession of Cost Accountancy. The Institute is the only recognised statutory professional organisation and licensing body in India specialising exclusively in Cost Accountancy.
Institute of Company Secretaries of India  is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India, i.e. The Company Secretaries Act, 1980 , to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India.
Ministry of Finance
Measures to Control Inflation
Controlling inflation has been a priority area for the Central Government, says the Economic Survey 2017-18 placed in Parliament today by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley . It says that the Government has taken a number of measures for this purpose which, inter alia, include the following:-
• Advisories are being issued, as and when required, to State Governments to take strict action against hoarding & black marketing and effectively enforce the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 & the Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 for commodities in short supply.
• Regular review meeting on price and availability situation is being held at the highest level including at the level of Committee of Secretaries, Inter Ministerial Committee, Price Stabilization Fund Management Committee and other Departmental level review meetings.
• Higher MSP has been announced so as to incentivize production and thereby enhance availability of food items which may help moderate prices.
• A scheme titled Price Stabilization Fund is being implemented to control price volatility of agricultural commodities like pulses, onions etc.
• The Government approved enhancement in buffer stock of pulses from 1.5 lakh MT to 20 Lakh MT to enable effective market intervention for moderation of retail prices. Accordingly, a dynamic buffer stock of pulses of upto 20 lakh tones has been built.
• Pulses from the buffer are being provided to States/UTs for PDS distribution, Mid-day Meal scheme etc. The requirement of pulses by Army and Central Para-military Forces.
• The Government has imposed stock holding limits on stockiest/dealers of sugar till April, 2018.
• The Government imposed 20% duty on export of sugar for promoting availability and moderating price rise.
• Permitted import of 5 lakh tones of raw sugar at zero duty; subsequently, import of additional 3 lakh tones was allowed at 25% duty.
• Export of all varieties of onion will be allowed only on letter of credit subject to a minimum export price  of $850 per MT till 31st December, 2017.
• States/UTs have been advised to impose stock limit on onions. States were requested to indicate their requirement of onions so that import of requisite quantity may be undertaken to improve availability and help moderate the prices.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Cabinet approves proposal for accession of India to  The Nice Agreement on the International classification of goods and services for the purposes of registration of marks
 The Vienna Agreement for setting up an International classification of the figurative elements of marks
 The Locarno Agreement for establishing an International classification for industrial designs
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for accession of India to  The Nice Agreement concerning the International classification of Goods and Services for the purposes of registration of marks,  The Vienna Agreement establishing an International Classification of the figurative elements of marks, and  The Locarno Agreement establishing an International classification for industrial designs.
Accession to the Nice, Vienna and Locarno Agreements will help the Intellectual Property Office in India to harmonise the classification systems for examinational of trademark and design applications, in line with the classification systems followed globally.
It would give an opportunity to include Indian designs, figurative elements and goods in the international classification systems.
The accession is expected to instill confidence in foreign investors in relation to protection of IPs in India.
The accession would also facilitate in exercising rights in decision making processes regarding review and revision of the classifications under the agreement.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with Mr. Masayoshi Son, Board Director and Founder, Softbank Corporation
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Mr. Masayoshi Son, Board Director and Founder, Softbank Corporation on 23 May 2022 in Tokyo. Prime Minister appreciated Softbank’s role in India’s startup sector. They discussed Softbank’s future participation in India in key areas such as technology, energy and finance.
They discussed various reforms being undertaken to enable ease of doing business in India. Specific proposals were shared with Softbank where it could enhance its investments in India.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Subsidy given up on LPG cylinders
Oil Marketing Companies  have reported that as on 01.02.2021, 1.08 crore LPG consumers have given up their subsidy.
The prices of petroleum products including LPG in the country are linked to the prices of respective products in the international market. However, the Government continues to modulate the effective price to consumer for Subsidised Domestic LPG and the consumers get the products at subsidised rate. The subsidy on Subsidised Domestic LPG increase/decrease with the increase/decrease in the product price in international market and decision of Government on subsidy.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Mines
Hind Copper Net Profit Jumps by 83%
Kolkata, May 28, 2019
The Net Profit of Hindustan Copper Limited  for the financial year 2018-19 was Rs 145.74 crore with an increase of 83% over last year. The Net Revenue of the company from operations was Rs 1816.25 crore in 2018-19 which is best ever since its inception and is 9% higher than Rs 1670.48 crore last year. During the Q4, HCL has posted Profit Before Tax of Rs 74.63 crore compared with Rs 33.88 crore in Q4 of the corresponding period last year. The Company’s operations have posted significant increase in EBIDTA margin, during FY 19, the margin was 30% compared to 19% achieved in the last year. Operating Profit Margin during FY 19 was 14.19% compared to 6.23% achieved last year.
The audited financial result of the company for the year 2018-19 was approved today in the meeting of its Board of Directors. During the FY 2018-19, the Copper Ore production was 41.22 lakh tonne which is highest in last 21 years and 12% higher than last year’s 36.75 lakh tonne. The achievement of Ore production is in line with the production ramp-up plan of the Company to 200 lakh tonne.
Total Copper sales volume was 38,273 MT which is the highest in last nine years and 5% higher than last year’s 36,435 MT. During 2018-19, the Company earned record foreign exchanges of Rs 842.67 crore as against Rs 340.69 crore during FY 2017-18 which is mainly due to increased export volume of Copper Concentrate. During the year, Capex was Rs 592.43 crore. The Malanjkhand underground mine project which is the flagship expansion project of the Company is progressing as per schedule. It is planned to commence production from the underground mine in FY 2019-20.
Ministry of Science & Technology
TREE PLANTATION CEREMONY OF CSIR-CMERI
Kolkata, April 11, 2019
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research & Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute , Durgapur organized a plantation ceremony on 10th April 2019 for the development of an Organic Fruit Orchard/Plantation in the premises of CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur as a part of the ‘Clean and Green India Initiative’. The Plantation Ceremony was inaugurated by Shri Mrinal Kanti Mandal, Divisional Forest Officer, WBFS, the Chief Guest and Prof.  Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur. Around 150 trees were planted on this occasion of various species such as Mango, Papaya, Jackfruit, Amla, Coconut etc.
Prof.  Harish Hirani, stated that CSIR-CMERI will be using the High Density Plantation System  for the inaugurated Organic Fruit Orchard which will strictly adhere to the National Standards for Organic Production .. Dr. Hirani also charted out his vision of planting 500 trees by December 2019, which will be in proportion to the total number of employees by that time.
Shri Mrinal Kanti Mandal, Divisional Forest Officer, WBFS, the Chief Guest, appreciated the wonderful initiative by CSIR-CMERI. This activity of CSIR-CMERI is in perfect tandem with the National Forest Policy which intends to increase the National Forest Cover to 33%, he mentioned.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves additional 2 percent Dearness Allowance  for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief  to pensioners w.e.f. 1st July, 2018
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modihas approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance  to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief  to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2018 representing an increase of 2% over the existing rate of 7% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.
The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Deamess Relief would be Rs.6112.20 crore per annum and Rs.4074.80 crore in the financial year 2018-19 .
This will benefit about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners.
This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Review of Delhi-Jaipur section of NH 48
New Delhi, 19th October 2022. With a commitment to provide good quality national highways, Secretary Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Chairperson NHAI today visited the Delhi - Jaipur section of NH 48 from Delhi to Dharuhera to review the pace of maintenance activities being undertaken by NHAI.
Secretary took stock of the condition of the Highway and directed the contractors engaged by NHAI to complete the work at the earliest. Dedicated teams of NHAI officials and contractors are working round the clock to improve the condition of the road.
The repair work and reconstruction in 225 km long Gurgaon - Jaipur highway has been awarded to three different contractors, who have already been mobilised for taking up the repair works on priority. One agency has been engaged for 64 km long Haryana portion and 161 km long Rajasthan portion has been awarded to another agency for faster construction. A third contract has been awarded for construction of 15 new structures to resolve the frequent issue of traffic congestion on the Highway. The cost of all these works is Rs. 913 crores.
The critical locations like Vartika flyover, Rampura flyover, Dharuhera, Masani have been repaired and the progress on the other locations in Haryana portion is being expedited for faster completion.
The NHAI Chairperson, while reviewing the progress of maintenance works, advised for constructing proper diversions including widening of service roads to ensure smooth traffic movement prior to taking up construction of structures. The issue of water logging and need for proper drainage for industrial waste of Bhiwadi was also discussed and Secretary MORTH requested state government officials to put in coordinated efforts to resolve the issue.
Delhi-Jaipur national highway is an important link between the national capital and state capital of Rajasthan for socio-economic connectivity of the two cities. The upkeep of this stretch is high priority for NHAI and it is making all out efforts to ensure safe and smooth travel for the commuters.
Prime Minister's Office
PM shares glimpses of Mysuru Dasara celebrations
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared glimpses of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations and lauded the commitment of the people of Mysuru to preserving their culture and heritage in a beautiful way. The Prime Minister recalled fond memories of his visit to Mysuru, the most recent one on the occasion of 2022 Yoga Day.
Quoting a tweet by a citizen, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Mysuru Dasara is spectacular. I commend the people of Mysuru for preserving their culture and heritage so beautifully. I have fond memories of my Mysuru visits, the most recent one being during 2022 Yoga Day.”
Special Service and Features
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS  ORGANISED STANDARDS CLUB - MENTORS TRAINING PROGRAMME AT CHENNAI TODAY
Bureau of Indian Standards is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification , Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.
Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office is conducting a two day Standards Club, Mentors Training Programme during 17 & 18 Aug 2023 at Hotel Savera, Chennai. The Programme commenced today and around 68 Mentors from various schools/colleges from Southern Region participated in the training Programme.
Smt.G Bhavani, Scientist-E/Director & Head , BIS inaugurated the Mentors Training Programme and will explained the Programme Objectives. She informed that, the objective of this programme is to impart knowledge to the Mentors with a motive to reorient attitudes of young generation for students’ growth and National Interest to inculcate standards culture and to sensitize the students on impact of standards on life and society; to help students select a career in the industry to enable and appreciate the importance of National and International standards and encourage them to take participation in Standardization work.
Shri. U S P YADAV, Scientist - F & Deputy Director General, Southern Regional Office delivered the Key Note Address. During his speech , he said that children are the future and form the foundation on which strong, vibrant and dynamic Nation is built. The values children are exposed to in their formative years get inculcated in their young minds and serve as a force multiplier that has the capacity to transform the future of a Nation. Quality consciousness, based on Standardization is one of the pillars of accelerated economic development and priming students to appreciate the significance of quality, Standards and Standardization can serve as a catalyst to improve social awareness on these subjects. BIS with a intend to support such activities has formed Standards Clubs in Schools and Colleges by providing learning opportunities to young talents in the field of quality and Standardization. The Officiated Teacher/Mentor of the educational Institution will serve as beacons of light, guiding and motivating students to channelize their creativity and enhancing scientific temperament.
The Mentors Training Programme is being conducted by Shri. B.J Gowththam, Scientist - D / Joint Director & Shri. Sreejith Mohan, Scientist - D / Joint Director, Chennai Branch Office of BIS. The Programme will end tomorrow, 18 Aug 2023.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of Metso Oyj’s minerals business by Outotec Oyj
The Competition Commission of India  approves the acquisition of Metso Oyj’s  minerals business by Outotec Oyj  under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002, here today.
The Proposed Combination relates to acquisition of Metso’s minerals business  by Outotec. All such assets, rights, debts, and liabilities of Metso that relate to, or primarily serve, its minerals business  will be acquired by Outotec .
The Proposed Combination will be achieved by way of a partial demerger of Metso Minerals pursuant to the Finnish Companies Act. In return for the transfer of Metso Minerals to Outotec, the shareholders of Metso will receive newly issued shares in Outotec and hold the majority of the new entity’s shares . The remainder of the shares will be held by the shareholders of Outotec. The combined entity will operate under the name Metso Outotec. The remainder of Metso’s business, i.e., Metso’s flow control business  will continue to exist independently under the name ‘Neles’.
Outotec is a public limited liability company incorporated and registered under the laws of Finland. The Outotec Group has two registered entities in India, i.e., Outotec India Private Limited and Larox India Private Limited. Outotec comprises three business units:  minerals processing ,  metals refining , and  services .
Metso is also a public limited liability company, incorporated and registered under the laws of Finland. Metso has two registered entities in India, i.e., Metso India Private Limited and RMEBS Controls Private Limited. Metso’s business comprises four units:  mining ,  aggregates ,  valves for process industries ; and  recycling .
The Commission approved the Proposed Combination subject to the carrying out of modifications proposed by the parties, under Regulation 25  of the Competition Commission of India  Regulations, 2011.
A detailed order of the CCI will follow.